387 387, twelve years old, Jill.

I tried hundreds of ways of fusing to make the same thing as Maddy.

Less or more of the three fail. Finding the perfect blend was a challenge.

I tried my best to find that balance. [M] I spent all the rest of my time studying Maddy while taking a good break because I couldn't get my head around without eating and sleeping.

Henri told me that it was better for me to take a breath outside, but I didn't have time for that. Sleep and meals were the only things I could breathe. [M]

Well, I was eating dinner and doing some research.

When I thought that it had become a beautiful color, I immediately changed to a black color and it was a failure, but I was really in a hurry when there was a fire several times.

But, strangely enough, the word frustration didn't bother me at all. Because I was confident that I could definitely succeed.

If I'm going to help Ji-chan, I'm not going to fail.

There was a lot of repetition to write down the preparation method on paper and throw it away. One day, Duke came to see me.

How are you doing?

It seemed that the atmosphere of Duke was a little grown-up just because we hadn't seen each other for a while.

I lie so I can load myself up and not get away with it anymore.

I think we're almost done.

”... don't push yourself again”

Duke's big hand strokes my head. [M]

I'm sure he knows that my Maddy research is not progressing at all. But I'm not saying anything. Once again, I feel the kindness of Duke.

"Thank you.... what happened today?"

When I heard that, Duke took his hand off my head and looked at me with serious eyes.

"I think I'll go see Alicia."

That word stops my thinking. [M] Duke adds more words.

Is Jill coming too?

... can I see Alicia?

My heart was covered in joy, but I quickly became anxious. [M]

I don't know what to be proud of when I see Alicia now. In the end, I haven't achieved anything in her absence.

Duke solved the magic of Cather Liz's charms and liberated the impoverished villages.

The only thing I'm proud of right now is that I might be able to make a speckle medicine. But we're not there yet.

I can't meet Alicia in this condition.

I will be prepared. [M] What should I prioritize now? It's always been taught to me by Alicia.

"I... I'll stay."

His voice did not tremble.

Duke replies quietly, "Okay."

I'm sure he's asking Mel and Albert to take care of the school. I can safely immerse myself in Maddie's research.

Bye, Alicia.

I say that, and I lie face down. [M] For some reason, I couldn't see Duke's face straight now. He slapped me gently on the head and left the scene. [M]

The sound of Duke's footsteps drifts away.

I manage to sort out my messed-up emotions.

I couldn't help but miss Alicia. If Ji-chan hadn't suffered from spotted disease, he would have rushed out right away.

I manage to control my emotions with reason.

... I don't have time to cry. I have to make medicine. We have to prove this decision was right.

After wiping away the tears that had almost fallen, I picked up three more plants and began to mix them.